Gascoyne Gateway proposes to build, own, and operate a multipurpose marine complex located approximately 10 kilometers south of Exmouth township. This facility will accommodate a variety of vessels, including, but not limited to, cruise liners, Defence and marine supply vessels, and support associated ecotourism activities.
The proposal includes a land-based component designed to support the marine infrastructure, covering a 61.63 ha marine footprint within a 79.44 ha development envelope. Key elements of the proposal include fuel storage, solar energy production, a jetty and causeway (wharf), a desalination plant with brine discharge via a pipeline fixed to the jetty and causeway, construction and maintenance dredging for the shipping channel and turning basin and three anchorage locations within Exmouth Gulf. The ESD which WAFIC made a submission on, was approved in 2022.
At the start of this year, the EPA granted approval for amendments to the proposal in response to the proponent’s request. These amendments include a reduction of the terrestrial area, while still maintaining elements that could significantly impact the marine environment (as outlined above). A complete list of the amendments to the proposal is available here. As a result of these changes, the EPA now requires the proponent to provide additional information before proceeding with the assessment.
More information on this proposal is available on the EPA website here.